Routes

From secretly filming sketches in the art department to turning up at TV meetings in full character, this week’s Quiet Coach guest has never taken the conventional route. In this episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down with comedian, actor, artist and podcaster Leigh Francis for a funny, chaotic and surprisingly honest chat about creativity, confidence and carving out a career by backing yourself, even when no one else quite understands what you’re doing. From missing out on art college to becoming a senior graphic designer drawing crocodiles on demand, Leigh shares how eight years of graft (and a lot of dressing up) led to his big break.There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about inventing his characters, where Leigh speaks about living by the motto “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap,” why he still spends his downtime sewing, sculpting and building green-screen studios in his loft, and how proud he feels bringing wife Jill into the spotlight on their podcast, Unlikely Friends. It’s a candid look at ego, insecurity, hard work and the joy of still loving what you do.Plus, as always, we get into snacks, tracks and hacks, including five-pound Mini Gems from WHSmith, accidental double breakfasts in first class, a loft full of abandoned travel pillows, and the unforgettable moment he forgot his ESTA and ended up flying to Florida with nothing but a backpack. Warm, self-deprecating and packed with laugh-out-loud moments, this is a relaxed and revealing conversation about staying playful, taking risks, and never quite doing things the normal way.

From Leeds beginnings and Bridlington beach trips to Halloween weddings and first overseas adventures, Leigh Francis’s life off-screen is as colourful as the characters he’s created. In this episode of Routes, Leigh joins Jenni to talk about growing up in Yorkshire, the chaotic comedy worlds of Celebrity Juice and Bo’ Selecta, and how his childhood shaped his sense of humour. He reflects on early travel experiences, static caravan holidays, and his first drunken friend holiday abroad, which set the tone for a lifetime of hilarious misadventures.Leigh shares stories that are equal parts funny and heartfelt, from carrying a life-size Howard the Duck on the train to visiting his favourite locations from Back to the Future, and the time he met Pharrell while wearing the same hat. He talks about family road trips through Whitby, the joy of Comic‑Con cosplay, and the creative process behind iconic characters like Keith Lemon. Along the way, there’s laughter, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the experiences that fuel his comedy.He also opens up about life on the road, being recognised (or not!) around the world, and the special journeys he’s shared with his wife and kids. Whether it’s memories of seaside arcades, discovering the magic of Disney on honeymoon, or everyday family life, this episode is a silly, personal, and unfiltered look at the laughs, travel tales, and roots that have made Leigh who he is.

Welcome back to The Quiet Coach, where Siân Welby shares what happens when she’s on the move. From spotting familiar faces on Hollywood boulevards to navigating jet-lagged mornings, Sian talks about how she keeps travel manageable, with Pringles and a stash of Haribo at the ready, a few podcasts queued up for long train journeys, and by finding the perfect seat.She opens up about her favourite travel hacks, from taking a multi-plug extension lead on holiday to keeping a baby entertained with simple tricks like masking tape. Siân also shares how she finds quiet moments on busy trains, enjoys watching the countryside roll by, and makes the most of every journey, whether it is a brief escape or a rare moment of calm.LA left its mark, inspiring her to dream big and reminding her how small details, like a street she has walked past or a billboard she spots, can make travel feel surprising, fun, and sometimes a little magical.

Siân Welby’s route into broadcasting has been shaped by curiosity, instinct and a willingness to say yes before she had everything figured out. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the Capital Breakfast presenter joins Jenni to talk about the journeys, both literal and personal, that have defined her life and career so far.She reflects on growing up with classic British seaside holidays, discovering the thrill of travel on her first trip to Disney World, and heading to Spain at 16 on her first holiday without her parents. As her career began to take shape, those early adventures turned into unexpected work trips, including filming in Las Vegas at 19 while still juggling retail jobs at home, and later travelling the world with Formula E, visiting cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong and collecting memories that stayed with her long after she returned home.Siân also opens up about finding her place in broadcasting, from learning the ropes in live sport and weather presenting to becoming one of the most recognisable voices on UK radio. She shares what early starts really feel like, the pressure and unpredictability of live television, the viral weather moments that changed her career, and why radio pushed her further than anything else she’s done. The conversation touches on motherhood, navigating travel with a young child, and how her relationship with travel has shifted towards slower, simpler breaks by the sea... making this a funny, honest and reflective episode about growth, balance and knowing when to slow the pace.

From learning lines in the Quiet Coach to racing through stations at the last minute, Sam Heughan reveals what travel really looks like when you’re juggling acting, adventure, and a suitcase stashed in every corner of the world. In this episode of The Quiet Coach, Sam joins Jenni to talk about how he travels, how he works on the move, and why trains are one of his favourite places to think, reflect, and occasionally fall asleep.Sam shares stories about practising lines in public, overhearing Al Pacino rehearse Shakespeare mid-flight, and why he hates arriving anywhere early. He opens up about travelling light, running as a way to explore new cities, and the slightly alarming moment airport security were more concerned about a battery pack than a huge blade in his luggage.There’s also talk of cocktails, fitness, motorbikes, and karaoke (including a brave Ronan Keating choice), plus reflections on Nepal, Everest, and how travel continues to shape the way he lives and works. From quiet train journeys to epic bike rides through the Himalayas, this is a relaxed, funny, and wide-ranging conversation about movement, curiosity, and never quite standing still.